Notes from Underground

As this year,2020, comes to an end, the majority of people feel relieved. Everyone around me wants to clean the slate- start afresh. To be honest, this year really has been a roller coaster. The year started with crazy bushfires that ruined major rainforests. If that wasn’t enough, there emerged the novel coronavirus. The world was held hostage to this virus. The pandemic hit us all in one way or the other. What we knew as normal, suddenly wasn’t available. All that we took for granted was now a rarity. People were locked up in their houses. Many were hit financially. Yet others grieved the loss of a loved one. Domestic violence was all time high and relationships fell apart. Health was a serious concern and mental depression led to many suicides. The year 2020 has seen it all. But, despite all of this, let me share with you that I do not wish to erase this year from my memory.

Now let me explain. You see, I took this year not as a mistake but as an opportunity. Yes, an opportunity to get to know myself. During lockdown, there were no places to go out, no deadlines to meet and no people to meet. I was at home; something most would see as a punishment but nah, not me. Carpe diem! I seized the day. I spent time trying out new things, things I would never have tried otherwise! For instance, I had never baked a cake before, I experimented and perfected the delectable recipes. Now, there is something baking in my kitchen almost every day. My parents and I have really focused on growing our greens. Ah! The taste and smell of organically grown fresh produce. The basil is used for making pesto. The kale makes the best smoothies. The scrumptious lettuce adds juice to the bean burger.

 My mother has a huge collection of cookery books which she uses once in a blue moon. The books lay in the grand bookshelf, gathering dust. The lockdown was a blessing in disguise. I pulled out the cookbooks and voila! I cooked up a storm from the salads, pies, smoothies, international cuisines. In a way, now I can give master chefs a run for their money.

2020 will be remembered by me as a year of discovering my priorities. In true sense, it has been a time to pause, reflect and reboot! A voracious reader, I picked up Walden. What a fascinating read! I enriched my vocabulary further through this. I became more focused and streamlined my studies. After all, I am responsible for my success. I also figured that I wish to be a diplomat when I grow up.

I found the Ariana Grande in me. I have been taking Trinity vocal exams but this year no classes, no exams. Learning must never stop. So, I got made my daily practice schedule and practiced all that I had learnt over the years. Music, I tell you is food for the soul. So, my friends, find an instrument to play or find your voice. P.S. my mother got inspired and bought herself a guitar.

The entrepreneur in me awoke. I experimented and made my own lip balm. I am currently gifting it to friends and relatives. The feedback helps me polish it further. Soon I will do everyone a favour and start selling it. Organic lip balm to keep your skin healthy.

What’s your story of 2020? Do let me know by leaving a comment <3